Two Scottish teenage darts players have set their sights on world champion Luke Littler’s title, after beating his team in the junior World Cup of Darts. Mitchell Lawrie and Kyle Davidson, aged 14 and 13 respectively, were part of the Scottish team that triumphed over Littler’s England squad in December 2023. Mitchell, known as ‘Wee Sox’, has been playing darts for 11 years, while Kyle, nicknamed ‘The Destroyer’, started playing at just five years old under his grandfather’s influence. They both expressed their ambition to follow in Littler’s footsteps and compete at the highest level of the sport.
The rise of Luke Littler, who won the PDC World Championship Darts at the age of 17, has sparked a surge in interest in darts among young players in Scotland. The success of the Scottish junior team, including Lawrie and Davidson, has further fuelled this enthusiasm. The Junior Darts Championships (JDC) in Scotland has seen a record number of participants, with more young talents emerging in the sport. Craig Mitchell, head of JDC Scotland, highlighted the positive impact of Littler’s success on youth participation in darts.
Parents of the young players also praised the social and developmental benefits of darts for children. They mentioned how darts not only provides a platform for competition and skill development but also fosters friendships and social interaction among young players. Fundraising efforts have enabled Lawrie and Davidson to travel around the world for competitions, broadening their horizons and creating lasting connections with people from various backgrounds.
Luke Littler, acknowledging his influence on the younger generation of darts players, expressed his joy in seeing families and children embracing the sport. He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with being a role model for aspiring darts players and the positive impact he has had on growing the sport’s popularity among the youth.
As the interest in darts continues to rise in Scotland, with promising talents like Lawrie and Davidson emerging, the future of the sport looks bright. The passion and determination of these young players reflect the growing enthusiasm for darts among the next generation of athletes.
In summary, the story of Mitchell Lawrie and Kyle Davidson exemplifies the depth of talent and passion for darts among young players in Scotland. Their ambition to reach the heights of world champion Luke Littler underscores the inspiring journey of aspiring athletes in the competitive world of darts.